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Bike Month is here and so far we have enjoyed really nice weather. Let’s hope the weather will be nice during Bike to Work Week as well. For those of you who are planning to bike to work or thought about it and don’t know where to start, we put together a list of things you need.

A bike that fits right and has a comfortable saddle; bike shops are best able to fit your bike to you.

A route you are comfortable with. Choose roads with bike lanes and slower moving traffic when possible. You can find biking maps on our websiteor Google bike maps.

Comfortable clothing– if you have a short commute (under 5 miles) you could ride in your work clothes. Just go at a reasonable speed, adjust your gears depending on the terrain (you can push yourself on the way back from work if you want a little workout). If you can, leave some clothes at the office to make sure you always look your best. If not here are some tips: If you do not have a shower at work you could get some Action Wipes, they will do the trick.

Invest in a pannier you can put you bag/backpack in so you do not have to carry it. This is both practical and important for your safety since your hands won’t be busy holding things.

Plan ahead and learn what to carry with you just in case –Spare tubes and tools and know how to change a tire. You can learn here .

Registration is now open for all Bike to Work Week events! May is National Bike Month, and GMTMA is celebrating with another Bike to Work Week event to promote bicycling as a viable transportation option.

“Bicycling is practical and joyful, good for your health and good for the environment. Bike Month and Bike to Work Week celebrates the unique power of the bicycle,” said Cheryl Kastrenakes, GMTMA’s Executive Director, “and we encourage everyone to get on a bike and participate in our bike month activities.”

Other GMTMA promotions during Bike to Work Week are the Employer Bike Challenge for groups of fellow employees, the Visions of Bicycling photo contest, and Bike to Food and Friends for people who can’t bike to work, but replace as many car trips as possible with bike trips – taking your kids to school, to the post office, to the store, going out to eat with friends and family, or any other errands. Participants in these promotions are also entered in prize drawings.
And don’t forget to check out the Bike Commuter Journal series on our blog at gmtma.org, and email us if you’d like to share your bike commuting experiences or if you have any Bike to Work Week questions.